Coming back at 50???
 

Hey gang...need a little input here!
I flew for a regional from 2004-2008. Had to resign due to a medical condition that took my medical cert. Was supposed to upgrade 4 months after I lost my medical, so I have no PIC jet time. In 2011, I was fully recovered and able to get my first class back and was planning to start interviewing at regionals once again. Got current, passed ATP written. Went to a job fair and had some interest. A non-flying job was offered to me locally paying 80K a year...I took it. Flew privately...about 15 hours a year.
Now that job may be disappearing and I'm thinking about flying once again.
My initial thought is "nobody is going to want to hire a guy at 50 who hasn't flown in the last year". And, to be honest I am not sure that I really feel like getting back into that Regional lifestyle starting from square one.
But..."IF" I wanted to, what would be the best way to approach it. I know that I would have to get my 1st Class again as well as get current. I know that I would need to build a little time before any regional will even look at me. Is it possible?...Likely?
TT 3800
Jet sic 3500
Married, no children. Live in Maryland.
Thanks Gang!

Your age should not be an issue at all...especially for a regional. In fact they might prefer somebody who might stick around rather than start over at a major at age 55+.

I heard at one time that AA had an age limit, basically you had to be able to upgrade based on expected movement. So if they expected upgrade to take ten years then you would have to get hired before 55. Not sure if they still do that.

I've heard of other majors hiring folks over age 60...in fact, they might risk a lawsuit if they didn't.

Any idea of what Regional I might have the best shot getting in the door?
How about preparing...Get Current/Written ATP for sure, but how much time do you think that I would need to build for currency?

I'd get a job flight instructing and apply to all of the regionals and see who bites. There's always bottom feeders like Great Lakes that might take you if you're not picky, but not sure what they would want (or any regional for that matter) as far as recent flight experience.

I'm 45 and hadn't flown in 6 years. Had 5 interviews scheduled but took the second job offer and declined the rest. Not current, but did study for the interview quite a bit. 8000+ TT , ATP and a few type ratings. Just have a 1st class medical and you will get calls within a week of filling out applications (airline apps.com) . At the 2 interviews i attended there were a couple non current pilots getting back in like myself. Good luck - pm if you need any advice for studying. :)

Thank you all for the information. I had my ATP written in 2011, but since I never was hired I think that I will start working on that again. I took it through Sheppard and it definitely took some studying but I did pass it.
MadMax...that is pretty impressive...I would have thought that currency was mandatory. I will PM you once I hit my 10 post requirement!

The written is still good, feel free to study for the interview but no need to retake the test.

Hey Rick...I was under the impression that the ATP written was only good for two years unless I was actively working with a carrier. That would be great if I was wrong!

Your wrong, it is still good at a 121 carrier.

Hey Rick,

The ATP written is only good for 24 for now. After July 31 it will be good for 60 months. And an air carrier employ using an expired written only applies to writtens taken post July 3.1